Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau News

Teacher Grants Available

The MPFB Foundation is again sponsoring three grants for Marshall and Putnam county teachers.  The grant must be submitted by November 5, 2021.  To apply, complete the grant application and mail to the office by the deadline.

Farm Family Resource Initiative offers new helpline

A new helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative. Read more.

Henry Bridge (IL 18) Project

As many of you know, the Henry Bridge that crosses the Illinois River is set to be replaced.  The first community meeting was held on Wednesday, August 25.   For the most up to date information, please visit www.IL18RiverBridgeProject.com

Lacon Bridge Repairs

Many of you have requested an update on the timing of the repairs to the Lacon Bridge that crosses the Illinois River.  We are including that update for you and will be posting updates to our website as we receive them from IDOT. Latest update as of August 26, 2021.

Broadband Installation Projects

Broadband service is a necessity for today’s modern farmer. However, if broadband equipment and fiber optic lines are being installed in the area, landowners need to understand their rights. Read more.

Flood Debasement Information

Since the enactment of the farmland assessment law, farmers have had the opportunity to receive a reduced per-acre assessed value on flooded cropland. This was a topic that was discussed at great length a few years ago, but we have had some questions about it in 2021 and we thought it would be good to address it again. Continue reading.

Entry Level Driver Training for Trucking

Beginning Feb. 7, 2022, a driver must complete ELDT before applying for or upgrading to a Class A or B CDL or seeking an endorsement for hazardous materials (H), passengers (P), or school buses (S). ELDT regulations are not retroactive and do not apply to individuals with a valid CDL or who obtain an S, P or H endorsement before Feb. 7, 2022. Read more.

Nutrient Stewardship Field Day a Success

To read the article and view the video, view video

IDOA to offer free recycling program for agrichemical containers

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is encouraging farmers and agrichemical facilities to save their empty agrichemical  containers as they will once again be offering free container recycling days throughout the State. Read more.

2021 Crops for College Scholarship Winners Announced

Brandon Collins is the son of Rachel and Tim Collins of Lacon. Brandon will graduate from Midland High School this spring. He plans to attend Michigan Technological University in the fall, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Agricultural Environmental Studies. 

Nicholas Mattern is the son of Margy and George Mattern of Magnolia. He will graduate from Putnam County High School this spring and plans to attend Illinois Central College in the fall and will be a part of the Diesel Technician Program.

The MPFB Young Leaders are pleased to provide these young men with scholarships to pursue careers in agriculture.

2021 Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Ryker Ewing, son of Alyssa and Sam Wier of Lacon. Ryker will graduate from Midland High School this spring. He plans to attend the University of Illinois in the fall, majoring in Agricultural Education.

Level 1 Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection

To view a walk-around video of the Illinois State Police vehicle inspection, click here. 

IDOA Online Certified Grower Training Available

Illinois growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment, are now required by state regulation (8 IAC 215) to complete certified grower training. Growers and grower farm operators have until April 1, 2022 to become certified. Read more.

Plat book price reduced to $25

The cost of the anniversary edition 2019 plat books for Marshall and Putnam counties has been reduced to $25. This special edition plat book features historical maps from 1911. Books can be purchased at the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau office, the Marshall and Putnam county courthouses, and the Soil and Water Conservation District office in Henry, Illinois.

2021 UCR registration now open

Registration for the 2021 UCR Registration year opened on October 1, 2020. Fees remained the same as they were for 2020 and can be found at plan.ucr.gov. Note: Registration for the 2019 registration year (except for state audit purposes) ended on September 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

CFAP online application portal opens

Sole proprietors and single-member business entities may now apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through an online portal. Read more.

MP Farm Bureau family recognized in Farm Week

To read the article of Carla and Adam Schaer's expanding pumpkin farm, click here.  

Illinois Waterway consolidated lock closures

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has provided information on the river closures. Read more.